A TEAM of motivated rugby players have taken on a gruelling endurance challenge this past weekend in support of their town.

Players from Egremont Rangers ARLFC ran 652.5 miles, beyond the distance between their club and that of their furthest away game, West Hull ARLFC.

The club drew 102 participants to the challenge.

So far, their efforts have raised £7,206 on Go Fund Me to support their hometown of Egremont and those in the community who may need a helping hand.

They have worked with Egremont Town Council on the project to benefit needy people in the community

Head coach and Egremont ARL John Wells said: “Our club has got a commitment to helping out in the community.”

Their massive fundraising effort began as an idea to stay active during lockdown whilst fulfilling that obligation to the town.

Mr Wells said: “At the minute the players are on a training programme. We set four sessions per week, two crossfit workouts and two runs. I was mindful that I didn’t want it going a bit flat.”

The club has a player leadership group which met one night to discuss ideas.

A player mooted the idea of a run, covering the distance to the club’s furthest rival and back.

The number of participants was initially in double figures but by the time they got to the big day, 102 participants were involved including parents and a town councillor.

Mr Wells said: “It was absolutely fantastic, we belong to a fantastic club.

“On Saturday evening, our Whatsapp group, social media and the whole town was absolutely buzzing.

“We didn’t expect it to be anything like what it was, we set a target of £500.”

The run was part of a wider effort from the club to support their town.

Mr Wells said: “It’s just about producing fine young people in the community.”

As well as benefitting the town, some of the funds will be used to support the club during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Kells, Wath Brow, we’re all trying to do the same thing” said Mr Wells.

“It’s all self funded. It’s been really difficult during Covid because the club bar isn’t open which is a big contributor.”

The club will get £3,600 from the funds raised, helping them to stay afloat until fans are allowed back into the grounds on match days.